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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Is DD's weight right?

27 replies

Theworldsgonemad · 28/02/2017 18:13

DD is 18 yrs, 5ft 6 and weighs 7st 4lbs. To me she seems fine, she has always been slim (apart from as a baby/toddler). She is about a size 6 in clothes. What's the Mumsnet consensus?

OP posts:
Isadora2007 · 28/02/2017 18:15

Right?

Sounds about right I'd say... what does her bmi work out at? Is Shen happy and healthy?

Somehowsomewhere · 28/02/2017 18:17

Sounds ok. I was 7.5 stone when I started uni at 18, and a size 8. What's her BMI?

PetalMettle · 28/02/2017 18:19

It seems underweight to me but if she's always been slim not neccessarily unhealthy

highinthesky · 28/02/2017 18:19

I'd say that is very light for her height. She's got plenty of time to fill out, though.

PetalMettle · 28/02/2017 18:20

People need to take her height into the equation - it's the equivalent of someone of 5'2 weighing about 6.5 stone

PetalMettle · 28/02/2017 18:21

In fact less than that, just over 6

highinthesky · 28/02/2017 18:21

Just calculated it, 16.4. Much too light!

IHaveBrilloHair · 28/02/2017 18:36

Is there a reason for you asking?

Somehowsomewhere · 28/02/2017 18:52

Are you worried about her weight? Is she generally fit/healthy?

Peaceandl0ve · 28/02/2017 19:56

I would suggest that you must have an underlying worry to be asking the question.

And for what it is worth I think it sounds a little bit low.

Original poster
Theworldsgonemad · 28/02/2017 20:07

Thanks for all your replies. Dd was asking because other people have commented about her weight, in a jokey/ teasing type of way ( more fat on a chip etc). She thinks she needs to do more exercise to bulk herself up

OP posts:
Original poster
Theworldsgonemad · 28/02/2017 20:08

...she eats a well balanced diet but has never had a big appetite. She's healthy and rarely ill

OP posts:
Lapinlapin · 28/02/2017 20:12

It seems very light.
Does she still get her periods?

Do you think she is restricting her food intake in any way?

If she's just naturally slim and eats whatever she fancies, then you probably don't need to worry.

I would be concerned about an eating disorder though otherwise.

If this is how she's always been, then it's less of a concern than someone who suddenly drops weight.

moonlightmile · 28/02/2017 20:14

It sounds fine to me, especially if she has always been slim. I am 24, 5'5 and 7stone 9Ibs, which is technically underweight, however I have always been naturally slim and I eat perfectly normal amounts. As long as your DD is eating healthily, I'm sure there is no reason to worry.

JustDanceAddict · 28/02/2017 21:18

Similar to mine. She is 14.5, 5ft7 and just over 7 stone. She's well proportioned but just very slim - size 6-8 ( a bit bigger on top - she has a tiny waist). Her legs and arms are very slim but she has an amazing figure!!

JustDanceAddict · 28/02/2017 21:19

Ps: def no eating issues. She eats more than me & is a bit of a foodie.

Underthemoonlight · 28/02/2017 21:21

I've been 7,2 my height was 5,2 personally I was far too thin and was constantly run down. Given her height I would say she is underweight.

babyunicornvomit · 28/02/2017 21:22

I have a friend like this. 5'8 and about 7 and a half stone. I've known her all my life and people have always commented things like 'too skinny' or 'looks unwell' - bit unfair as I know for a fact she eats enough, lots of pasta and chocolate so it's not even like she's concerned with her weight, just naturally very slim. Some people are just built that way, and if you're sure she's healthy don't worry too much! x

swingofthings · 02/03/2017 17:54

That seems very light. DD is 5'7'' and 8 stone 4 and a very slim size 8. I can't imagine her being a stone lighter. Saying that, all builds are different, so that's not to say your DD isn't right. If she's eating properly, has good energy and not falling ill, then she's just fine as she is.

PickledCauliflower · 02/03/2017 18:03

Does she have regular periods? If she has problems in this area it may be an indication of being underweight. If menstruation is regular, she is probably just going through a very lean phase.
If no or irregular periods, she could be underweight and may need a bit of help to gain and maintain a bit more weight.

Original poster
Theworldsgonemad · 02/03/2017 21:57

Thanks again for all the replies. Dd is actually really curvy with a small waist. Her periods are normal. I'm encouraging her to eat more, snack on mixed nuts and seeds which she loves, between meals. Also thinking of getting her some protein drinks

OP posts:
shaggedthruahedgebackwards · 02/03/2017 22:01

If you have no concern about her food intake and she is menstruating then you don't have anything to worry about

It just sounds like she is naturally slim

swingofthings · 03/03/2017 10:48

Size 6 and curvy is quite unusual though especially for this height. Maybe she is extremely small bones, but then again, my DD is very small bones and still weight a stone more and I wouldn't call her curvy.

AliciaMayEmory · 03/03/2017 11:01

The thing is, OP, as is shown on many of the threads about weight, different people seem to carry their weight differently and so there will be varying answers to your question. If your DD has always been slim, then I wouldn't worry if she is well in herself. If she hasn't always been so slim then may be talk to her about it. I have to add that I have always been slim (I'm 5' 10" and weight 8st 3lbs at the minute which I've manage to get up to from my lowest of 7st 9lbs) and people constantly making remarks about my weight as a teen made me extremely self conscious about my appearance. I would cover up in very loose clothing to hide how skinny I was as I was embarrassed by it, even though it was just my build. My mum used to make me drink Complan and Lucozade to try to build me up, but it didn't do anything (expect ruin my teeth!) It has taken years to feel comfortable in my skinny body, so I feel for her if she is getting remarks.

scaevola · 03/03/2017 11:21

NHS BMI calculator puts her at 16.4, which is underweight on the adult scale.

But an older teen may well be in the last stages of puberty, and perhaps the child scale would be better, so it could yet all even out.

You need to keep an eye that she is eating properly and see how she grows over the coming months (couple of years even). The recommended (FWIW) minimum weight for an adult for that height is 8st 3.

Some people are just skinny, but being a long way below the minimum, if it persists, might be a cause for concern idc

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